<\/p>\n
\nJoseph Parker.
\nPhoto: PHOTOSPORT\n<\/p>\n
The WBO has ordered negotiations for a bout between its interim heavyweight champion, New Zealander Joseph Parker and the unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.<\/p>\n
The ruling body said both parties have 30 days to agree terms for a mandatory defence of Usyk’s title, and if they fail to do so the WBO will open a purse bid.<\/p>\n
“The minimum bid in the Heavyweight division is US$1 million… any of the parties herein may request purse bid proceedings at any time during negotiation stages,” the WBO said in a statement.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nDaniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk exchange punches during their IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Heavyweight titles’ fight.
\nPhoto: Richard Pelham\/Getty Images\n<\/p>\n
Usyk has held the WBO belt since 2021 when he won it from Anthony Joshua<\/a> along with the WBA and IBF titles, and has defended it four times, also taking the WBC belt from Tyson Fury to become the unified champion.<\/p>\n The undefeated Ukrainian vacated the IBF belt last year after opting not to face the sanctioning body’s interim champion Daniel Dubois in favour of a rematch with Fury, which he won by unanimous decision in December.<\/p>\n